Croatia looking to seize the moment

Croatia are targeting the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1998 -- when they made their debut as an independent nation on football's biggest stage.

It is unwise to look too far ahead at an event so full of surprises, but will a Croatian team facing host nation Russia in the last eight ever get a better chance to outdo the heroes of two decades ago?

Zlatko Dalic's side showed in their comprehensive dismantling of Argentina during the group phase that they have no fear of the big names, and there is a strong case to say they are the best team left in their half of the draw.

However, while Croatia needed penalties to beat Denmark in the last round, they have come to Sochi full of confidence.

Led by inspirational midfielder Luka Modric, Croatia will be hoping to defeat a host nation for the first time at the World Cup when they take on Russia in a quarterfinal encounter tonight. However, to do that they must get past the imposing figure of veteran goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev (bellow). PHOTO: REUTERS/ AFP

"We have shown in this World Cup that we have the right to hope for big things. We are playing really well and we have such players that we certainly should believe can go to the very end," said defender Domagoj Vida.

Any team boasting a player of Luka Modric's quality can afford to dream, especially when he is supported by Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic.

"He is our captain, he is our leader, we all stand behind him," said Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic of Modric.

The Real Madrid player is possibly the best midfielder at the tournament but the strength in depth for such a small country is remarkable.

Putin had attended Russia's opening day win over Saudi Arabia but has not yet said whether he will come to Sochi. Cherchesov, however, said Putin has been in touch.

"He has been calling me, he called me before and after the game with Spain," Cherchesov said. "When the president supports you that makes us comfortable and this is an extra boost for us in terms of motivation."

A stern Cherchesov told reporters he was not getting carried away by the euphoria.

"I will tell you openly that as a coach I am trying not to watch TV and not read newspapers," he said. "I am concentrated on my job and I think it is the same for the players.

"This is a great step but let us look forward. The quarterfinal is a different level. You say people are euphoric but we are not the people who should be euphoric, that is for you journalists.

“We Russians like extremes so let's not go to these extremes."